No one told me senior year of college would be like this. I wasn't prepared. Of course, you see the photos of graduation day where there's an abundance of smiles and hugs from friends and family, maybe even a shedding of tears (joy or relief?) from the newfound degree holder, but why does no one discuss the crippling obstacles encountered before being able to cross that stage into your future? Take the infamous phrase "College -- the best years of your life." While that may be true for your first three years of higher institutional schooling, where are the preparatory phrases such as "Life will hit you like a ton of bricks come senior year"? The stress that all college students, especially graduating seniors is not selective, but inevitable. Ralitza Treneva, writer for the Insight Bulletin, has come up with a list of ways to cope with such stress so you won't spazz out before your commencement ceremony.
Between senior interviews with advisers, studying for your senior comprehensive exam, applying for as many jobs and internships there are available, and looking for your own place to move into -- on top of your rigorous course load and class schedule, -- you may find it hard to even have time to stop and breathe, let alone for basic necessities like eating and sleeping. Treneva suggests that the first step in minimizing your stress levels is to prioritize your time wisely, keeping your best interests in mind. Although you've been working your butt off and staying up all night in the library to be Team 4.0, is it really worth falling asleep in all your classes, or worse, skipping your classes just to get the extra rest you've been lacking? Strategizing what you choose to spend your time on, as well as setting aside an occasion for yourself to relax and regroup, can benefit your well-being despite the negative effects stress has on the body. Treneva also suggests finding a hobby to incorporate a break in your schedule for fun, an attempt at avoiding a buildup of anxiety when your schedule becomes too overwhelming.
Nearing graduation can be quite a competitive period with friends and fellow peers, especially when it seems everyone else is beginning to get their life together (e.g., have job offers, found an apartment and a roommate, graduate school acceptances), while you're just sitting around still waiting for a sign of success. Have no fear, do not worry about what's going on with the people around you, and instead focus on your own goals and aspirations. With Treneva's tip on being "realistic about your expectations for yourself," she assuages that encountering obstacles or setbacks are common and should not equate to defeat. Given the example that you might have to move back in with your parents after graduation, an issue that is becoming even more of an unsettling reality for myself come May 2016, the current job market and economy can somewhat turn this aspect around into a positive because you'll have a little more time than others to gain more independence and stability while back at home than being pushed out into the real world immediately after receiving your diploma.
Despite addressing real-world situations, this article is not meant to scare anyone preparing for their future. Change is a beautiful thing, and you should be proud of yourself for making it this far despite any challenges and adversities you previously faced. Optimistically speaking, post graduation only sets you up for bigger and better opportunities to come regarding adulthood and your future. So bust out those midterms and finals, begin networking and applying for job positions, but also don't forget to have fun since you'll never quite experience a life like in college after this.
